Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the University of Vocational Technology (UNIVOTEC), held under the auspices of the Vocational and Technical Training, Ministry at Ratnalana, President Mahinda Rajapaksa, said that the UNIVOTEC would be of paramount importance to tertiary education in the country.

It would provide the rural and urban youth an interest in technological education.

To those already in employment, it would provide a window of opportunity to enhance their knowledge, acquire new and innovative skills, upgrade their existing skills and be more competitive in their professions, via the disciplines of university education.

The President said the country’s needs should be assessed initially, and the vocational and technical training should be geared to cater to those needs, to enhance productivity and strengthen the economy.

“I saw in this, an opportunity to open more avenues for higher education, especially to our rural youth, who have limited opportunities to benefit from the conventional university system.

And this is another opportunity and a milestone in the enhancement of tertiary education in the country. We need to divert them now to Vocational and Technical Training, by this process,” said the President.

He pointed out that around 380,000 children are born annually in Sri Lanka. They have to be provided with schools. A majority of them, obtain their secondary education up to G.C.E. Ordinary Level standard. Some qualify up to the Advanced Level.

Ironically, only around 2.5 percent of those qualified, could enter our local universities.

President Rajapaksa also unveiled a plaque - UNIVOTEC, opened a new building complex of UNIVOTEC and the Exhibition themed “Development of Vocational Education”.

Two stamps and a First Day Cover was also issued to mark the inauguration. Souvenirs were presented to the President and the Vocational and Technical Training Minister Piyasena Gamage, by Vice Chancellor of UNIVOTEC Prof. Kapila Goonasekera.